Sustainable process synthesis–intensification

Chemical industry is facing global challenges such as the need to find sustainable production processes.Process intensification as part of process synthesis has the potential to find truly innovative and moresustainable solutions. In this paper, a computer-aided, multi-level, multi-scale framework for synthesis,design and intensification of processes, for identifying more sustainable alternatives is presented. Withinthe framework, a three stage work-flow has been implemented where, in the first “synthesis” stage anoptimal processing route is synthesized through a network superstructure optimization approach andrelated synthesis tools. In the second, “design” stage, the processing route from the first stage is furtherdeveloped and a base case design is established and analyzed. In the third, “innovation” stage, moresustainable innovative solutions are determined. The application of the framework is illustrated througha case study related to the production of di-methyl carbonate, which is an important bulk chemical dueto its multiplicity of uses.